In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, thinking pink while thinking of others has been the way to go for one Texas State student.Following the start of the school year Nichole Garcia found herself the sole member of the Texas State Bobcat Lions Club after all the other members had graduated. She said she decided to plan the Breast Cancer Awareness Gala, titled “We Walk As One”, in honor of her grandmother died of cancer. By using the club as a sponsor, she said she hopes to recruit more members and keep the club alive.

The gala is set for Sunday, Oct. 26 from 7 to 10 p.m. in the Texas State University LBJ Ballroom. Tickets for the event are $30 and admission is free for Texas State students. Guests are encouraged to make a donation as all proceeds will go toward helping to pay medical bills for a local community member recently diagnosed with breast cancer.

“I don’t know if many people know how much it costs to go into treatment,” Garcia said. “My aunt is a breast cancer survivor and I know she had to spend at least $15,000 out-of-pocket because her insurance only covered so much.”

Garcia said if they manage to raise enough money she will be able to help at least one other community member pay for breast cancer treatment.

“It’s all for a good cause and I want to help raise awareness,” she said. “I don’t think many people are aware that men can get breast cancer too.”

The guest speakers for the event are breast cancer survivors Lori Kuntz, Rita Longoria and Jennifer Almendarez. Entertainment for the evening will be provided by musicians Jonathan Clay and Robin Smith. The doors open at 6:30 p.m. Dinner will be served at 7 p.m. Sponsors for the event are Schwab Sausage House & Barbecue, Texas Cinema and PRINT-IT.

For tickets or event information Nichole Garcia or Sierra Kuntz can be contacted by phone at 512-749-0916 or by e-mail at ng1076@txstate.edu and 210-415-1718 or sierrak@yahoo.com respectively.